In a remarkable display of power tennis, Amanda Anisimova produced one of the shocks of the season by defeating fellow American and US Open champion Coco Gauff at the China Open.
Qualifier Stuns World Number Three
The 22-year-old Floridian, who entered the tournament as a qualifier, showcased breathtaking form to overcome the third-ranked Gauff 6-4, 6-3 in Beijing. This stunning victory marks Anisimova's third triumph over a top-10 opponent this year, signalling a formidable return to form for the former world number 21.
Dominant Performance Against Recent Champion
Anisimova's victory becomes even more impressive considering Gauff's recent triumph at Flushing Meadows, where the 19-year-old claimed her maiden Grand Slam title. The match saw Anisimova display exceptional composure, breaking Gauff's serve four times while facing only two break points on her own delivery throughout the contest.
"I'm just so happy to be back playing my best tennis," an elated Anisimova shared after the match. "Coming through qualifying and now beating one of the best players in the world feels incredible."
Road to Recovery
The American's journey back to the upper echelons of tennis follows a challenging period where she stepped away from the sport to prioritise her mental health. Her return to competition has been marked by steady improvement, with this victory representing her most significant achievement since coming back to the tour.
What's Next for Both Players?
Anisimova advances to face fifth seed Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals, while Gauff will reflect on a surprising early exit despite her recent US Open success. The result demonstrates the unpredictable nature of women's tennis and serves as a reminder of Anisimova's considerable talent when firing on all cylinders.
This performance in Beijing suggests the American could be poised for a rapid climb back up the WTA rankings, potentially setting up more thrilling encounters between these two young stars in seasons to come.
